Boss gives squad clean bill of health

STEVE Clarke says Ben Foster’s recovery from a second minor groin operation remains on track – and has given the rest of his squad a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal (ko 3pm).

The Albion No.1 will miss the Emirates Stadium clash and the Baggies boss insists it is too early to say if he will be fit to face West Ham eight days later.

But the illness that affected Boaz Myhill, Billy Jones and Yassine El Ghanassy over the last fortnight has cleared up in the Baggies camp.

“Ben is working well and he is on schedule,” said Clarke.

“Apart from that I have everyone else available.

“We’ll decide on whether he’s available for the following game next week.”

Meanwhile, Clarke was quizzed at today’s pre-match press conference about speculation linking Brentford Sporting Director Mark Warburton with the Sporting & Technical Director position at The Hawthorns, which is due to be vacated next summer when Dan Ashworth leaves to become The FA’s Director of Elite Development.

“There have been a number of names linked with the job,” said Clarke.

“But as far as the process goes, it is still ongoing. Dan Ashworth, the Chairman and the board of directors are looking after it.

“I would expect that, if we were going to appoint someone, I would speak to them first – but I haven't spoken to anybody regarding the position.”